ROCHESTER, Mich., Oct. 3, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jamie M. Verdi, Esq., has established Michigan Patient Advocacy Liaison, PLLC or MI-PAL as a patient advocacy and legal consulting firm specializing in nursing home care, Medicaid/Medicare law, and elder law. The firm is located in Rochester, Michigan.

MI-PAL is dedicated to providing personalized legal services to patients in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. MI-PAL works closely with its clients and their family members to identify and resolve problems that arise with quality of care. She also serves as a liaison between families and long-term care facility staff to resolve concerns and foster open communication. MI-PAL helps its clients develop strategies to maximize Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Affairs benefits.

In forming her company, Verdi said, ``Too many of our elderly have no voice in the healthcare system. They and their families are often powerless to insist on the right care for themselves or their loved one. With my experience and expertise in healthcare law and a passion for justice for the elderly, I want to serve as their advocate. That's what MI-PAL is in business to do!''

Prior to forming MI-PAL, Verdi was a healthcare attorney for a national healthcare company. She also served several years as a research attorney in the 48th District Judicial Court in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Verdi holds a Master of Laws degree in Health Law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law; a Juris Doctorate degree from the New England School of Law; and a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the Boston University School of Management.

She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan's Health Law Section; the American Health Lawyers Association; the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc.; the National Citizens Coalition for Nursing Home Reform; the Michigan Society of Healthcare Risk Management and the Michigan Campaign for Quality Care.

Verdi speaks to groups of senior citizens and their families in the Metro Detroit area to educate them on their rights and how to find an advocate when they need one. She can be reached at 248-410-4945 or jamieverdi@mipalhealth.com.

          Ahee Communications, Inc.
          Renee Ahee 
          586-979-3801
          rahee@aheecommunications.com

          MI-PAL
          Jamie Verdi, Esq.
          248-410-4945
          jamieverdi@mipalhealth.com